Stormwater Drainage Problems

Stormwater runoff and drainage can be a source of problems for some residents, especially if the water is coming from another property. The flow of water in these instances may lead to disputes amongst neighbours. Council does its best to ensure that proper action is taken if required and/or possible.

When Council will act

Council will investigate and may take action on issues relating to the overland flow of water from one property to another property, where all of the following criteria are present:

  • There is sufficient evidence to show that the water has caused or is likely to cause physical damage to land or building on the other land
  • Surface water has been directed to and/or concentrated in a particular area by a man-made structure or drain
  • Surface water is the result of defective roof drainage from a dwelling or outbuilding.

When Council will not take action

Please be aware that Council may not take action in circumstances where:

  • The surface water is considered as natural run off from the property (or properties above) due to the topography and isn't redirected in any manner.
  • Surface water is flowing down existing hard surface areas such as driveways, tennis courts, concrete slabs or paved areas.
  • The location of a dwelling or outbuilding impacts on surface run off.
  • Surface water run off occurs only in periods of exceptionally heavy rain.
  • Surface water is a result of overflows from stormwater absorption pits where contours of land and lack of access prevent direct connection of a building's roof water to the council's stormwater drainage system.
  • The runoff is from new development work that is the subject of a development consent and has been constructed in accordance with that consent.
  • The drainage problem involves discharges from defective or blocked private inter-allotment drainage easement.

Private inter allotment easements are the responsibility of the property owners who are burdened by and/or benefited by the easement.

Before Council Will Take Action

Before reaching out to Council, information should be collated to support inquiries and provide context on the issue at hand. The following considerations would assist Council officers in delivering appropriate advice:

  • Description of the situation
  • When did it occur and how often?
  • Has the issue been reported previously to Council?
  • What is the source of water?
  • Describe how your land and/or building is being damaged (include a written report from a suitable qualified person stating the land or building is likely to/is being damaged)
  • Have you obtained professional advice as to the source of the stormwater issue?
  • Have you liaised with your neighbour to address this matter?
  • Have you sought advice or initiated mediation with your neighbour through a relevant authority?
  • Provide photo(s) or video of the stormwater problems it is occurring with date and time, (include with your submission)

Sloping blocks

If you're a resident living on a sloping site, you should be aware that natural surface water runoff flows from uphill to downhill. If Council investigates issues relating to surface water runoff from an uphill/upstream property and deems no action is required, you may choose to install surface water controls within your own property. Any measures that divert surface water runoff shall not have a detrimental impact on any other properties adjacent or further down the slope.

Seepage water

Seepage water is the responsibility of individual property owners. Where sloping blocks have been excavated to obtain a flat yard or building site, seepage drains should be constructed to redirect water to a stormwater drainage system.

You should liaise with neighbours to address any problems. If possible, drainage easements can be created to direct water to a council stormwater drainage system. Seepage water must not be directly or indirectly discharged to Council’s street gutter.

Who to contact if your property is flooding

For emergency help in flood events, contact the State Emergency Service (SES) on 132 500.